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About apex garden rooms
Apex Garden Rooms are the timeless choice for British gardens, offering a classic aesthetic that complements both traditional and modern homes. Characterized by a central ridge and sloping sides, the "Apex" roof provides superior rainwater runoff and, importantly, a high vaulted ceiling inside. This makes a sense of airiness and space that flat-roofed buildings cannot match, making them ideal for Garden Gyms or creative studios.
Our collection features premium timber buildings from brands like Palmako, utilizing slow-grown Nordic Spruce logs up to 70mm thick. Whether you need a cozy reading nook or a fully insulated Garden Office, these structures provide the durability and insulation values required for year-round use.
Key features of apex cabins
- Vaulted Ceilings: High internal headroom makes a spacious, airy environment.
- Weather Protection: Steep roof pitch sheds water and snow faster than any other design.
- Structural Purlins: Exposed roof beams add character and immense structural strength.
- Shingle Ready: Designed to be fitted with durable bitumen shingles for a 20-year roof life.
Why We Chose This Range
“We prioritize the Palmako Apex range because of their structural roof design. Many budget cabins use flimsy roof boards that sag under snow. Palmako uses heavy-duty roof purlins (thick structural beams) that not only support the roof against heavy snow loads but also look fantastic exposed inside the building. We also recommend them because they are designed to take Bitumen Shingles, which last 20+ years compared to cheap roofing felt which rips in a storm.”
, Matt, Founder of Greenhouse StoresMatt's installation tip: the "2.5m rule"
Apex roofs are tall, often reaching 3m at the peak. Under UK Planning rules, if a building is over 2.5m high, it usually must be positioned 2 metres away from your boundary.
Do not order a 3m high Apex cabin expecting to push it right up against your neighbour's fence; you may be forced to take it down. If you need to build close to the boundary, look at our Pent Garden Rooms which are kept under 2.5m height.”
Frequently asked questions about apex garden rooms
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Are shingles better than felt?
Yes, significantly. Felt is a temporary covering (3-5 years) that becomes brittle. Bitumen Shingles are a permanent roof solution (15-20 years) that look like slate tiles and provide a double layer of protection. We highly recommend upgrading to shingles for any Apex building.
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Do I need planning permission for an Apex cabin?
Because Apex roofs often exceed 2.5m in height, they usually fall outside "Permitted Development" IF you place them within 2m of your boundary. If you place the cabin more than 2m away from the fence, you can typically build up to 4m high without permission. Always check with your local council.
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Can I insulate an Apex roof?
Yes. The best way is to insulate between the roof purlins (beams) on the inside, then clad over with tongue-and-groove boards. This retains the heat while keeping the external appearance unchanged.
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What base do I need?
Like all our garden buildings, you need a solid, level base. A concrete slab is best for larger cabins, while a "plastic grid" system filled with gravel can work for smaller models. Do not build directly on grass.